Underpinning, Bored Piling and Mini Piling in Berkshire | Curing for Pile Foundations
When it comes to pile foundations, the curing process is not carried out in a conventional way. Proper curing is essential for concrete to provide the necessary strength and durability to support a structure effectively. On this page, we explore the significance of curing, different curing methods, and how they apply to pile foundations, raft foundations and construction.
Horner Foundations is a bored piling, mini piling and underpinning specialist for the Berkshire area. Our team consists of structural engineers and piling contractors with 30+ years of combined experience. We are also adept in the field of RC ground beams, and in new basement construction and retrofits.
Understanding Curing
Curing is a chemical process and one that is crucial to achieve the required strength and durability in concrete. Its purpose is to maintain moisture and temperature levels in the concrete immediately after pouring. Insufficient curing leads to concrete with lower strength than the design specifies, thus rendering it inadequate to support the building and resulting in cracking.
Cracks cause humidity and water seepage, leading to issues like corrosion.
Moisture Control
Proper moisture control is essential during curing because a lack of moisture can hinder concrete development to cause:
- Failure to reach the required design strength
- Inadequate volume stability
- Insufficient durability
- Poor resistance to freeze-thaw cycles
- Low resistance to abrasion and scaling
Temperature Considerations
Maintaining the right temperature during curing is critical for the long-term stability of concrete. The general rule dictates that concrete temperatures should be kept above 10°C to ensure adequate strength. However, high and low concrete temperatures during curing can lead to specific challenges:
- High concrete temperatures cause excessive shrinkage and cracking, decreased strength after 28 days, an increased risk of corrosion and elevated water consumption which raises costs
- Low concrete temperatures can lead to freezing, which can result in a significant strength reduction of up to 50% overall
Common Curing Methods
The choice of curing method use on projects in Berkshire depends on the concrete’s characteristics and several common methods are employed:
Water Curing – This method involves applying water to prevent the concrete from drying out and is typically used for thinner concrete sections.
Wet Covering – Moisture is retained by covering the concrete with materials like hessian. This method is suitable for vertical surfaces and complements water curing on horizontal surfaces.
Membrane Curing – A liquid material is sprayed over the concrete to form a solid membrane and preventing moisture evaporation. Water-based or oil-based membranes can be used.
Sheet Curing – Different sheets can be utilised to cover concrete, including polythene sheets for less structurally significant concrete, watertight plastic sheets and curing blankets to prevent moisture loss.
Curing by Absorbing Heat – Pipes are placed within concrete to absorb heat and allow for water circulation. This method is suitable for thick concrete but requires careful execution to avoid cracking due to temperature changes.
Hot Mixing Method – Occasionally employed when early strength is required, this method increases concrete temperature to enhance strength up to 20%.
Electrical Curing – Three electrical methods can be used, involving the passage of an electrical current through the concrete or reinforcement net using high or low voltage, as well as the use of large electrical blankets.
Curing for Pile Foundations
Curing for pile foundations and raft foundations differs from conventional methods as it occurs naturally thanks to the abundance of moisture in the earth's surface where bored piling and mini piling is located. The self-curing process takes place in cohesive soils and clays, which eliminates the need for manual curing. Being laid underground, pile foundations are not affected by external factors like wind or sunlight. This ensures minimal moisture loss.
Curing is just one of the many critical aspects of construction. Here at Horner Foundations, we understand the significance of proper curing and offer a comprehensive range of services in Berkshire to ensure the success of your project. Our qualified structural engineers and piling contractors work to the highest standards and achieve optimal results. If you need our assistance on any project, including bored piling, mini piling, underpinning or basement construction, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.
We are committed to delivering top-quality solutions for all your construction needs, including raft foundations and RC ground beams.